CHAPTER 3: MEET THE FIVE STEP BROTHERS
Magnus pointed to my room. As I opened the door, I was hit with a wave of dust, and I covered my nose. Magnus turned to me, and despite the dim light, I could make him out clearly – probably because of his stark white skin. "This room belonged to the former maid, and it hasn't been cleaned since. You're on your own," he said, then walked past me.
I took in the room, and my eyes widened as I spotted a light switch. I flipped it on, and the room was bathed in light. Some of the furniture was still covered in sheets. The room was spacious, with a cabinet and a study table. The bed was big enough for two people. I set my things down on the table and grabbed a broom, getting to work on cleaning the room. It took a while, but I didn't bother the man – I didn't want to get scolded again.
I was confused about what was going on. Was he the only one living here? They said there were maids, but I hadn't seen anyone.
Exhausted, I sat on the soft bed, wiping sweat from my brow. I clipped my red ruby pendant, a gift from my grandfather, and I remembered his warning: never take it off, especially inside the Calligarius mansion.
I froze as a cold breeze caressed me, sending shivers down my spine. It gave me goosebumps, especially since I noticed that the windows weren't open.
I was on high alert as I heard heavy footsteps coming from the stairs. They were getting closer, and I quickly went to the door to lock it. Then, I heard the crows cawing, just like when I arrived at the mansion.
My heart pounded as I heard a faint rustling sound, growing louder. I prayed, feeling lost in this unfamiliar place. The only thing I could do now was pray.
I grew up in a church, and although I was raised by my grandfather, he taught me to be a decent and upright woman.
I felt a surge of relief as the crows' cawing and the rustling sound stopped, followed by a quick knock on the door. I didn't move or speak.
A moment later, I heard Magnus's cold, calculated voice. "Get dressed and come down...we'll be waiting for you downstairs," he added, and I heard his footsteps fade away.
Jesus! I thought something was wrong...is this how it is here? No wonder the drivers and locals are scared of this place.
I ruffled through my clothes and changed. I tried to avoid it, but I looked a mess, especially my pants, which were mud-stained. I took a deep breath before leaving my room.
The hallway was bright, unlike when I arrived, when everything was pitch black. I glanced at the large clock on the wall, taking up most of the space visible from where I stood. My eyes widened as I realized it was already midnight. I casually looked downstairs, and the dimly lit mansion was now slightly brighter. I spotted a few maids setting food on the large table.
I descended the stairs, noticing a blonde-haired man glance up at me. He was wearing airpods, and his presence was icy cold.
As I made my way down, I felt like everyone was staring at me – all of the young men, except for the one seated at the far end of the table. His expression was the most intimidating, dark and foreboding.
As I approached, something seemed to hold me back, but I kept going. I only knew Magnus among them.
I noticed the exquisite silverware and fine china. There was wine,and various dishes, making it seem like a celebration, but there were only six of them. I scanned the room, hoping to spot a woman, or at least their mother...but there was none.
"I heard that Carlos died a few weeks ago?" The old man started the conversation, he was busy slicing he's steak and he didn't even bother to look at me as if he already knew me.
And did he just called my grandpa's name? Are they that close?
"Y-yes sir" I politely said, the gaze from the other young man was intimidating. Some are glaring at me, the others are staring at me with concern and the some didn't seem bothered.
The others serving food started to glance at me, following my gaze. I felt a mix of nerves and embarrassment, overwhelmed by their intense presence.
"Tell us about yourself..." the older man said, chewing slowly. I didn't know why he asked that, but I answered anyway.
Hesistant but to show some due respect I answered honestly. "I'm a nursing student at a private university...but I decided to take a break to save up for the next semester," I said, looking down at my hands. The room fell silent, with only the clatter of dishes, utensils, and glasses breaking the silence.
"How old are you?" the older man asked again, still unknown to me.
I looked up, startled, and met the gaze of the men, but their dark, cold presence was all that greeted me.
"Twenty-three, sir," I replied.
"Are you still a virgin?" The older man's question caught me off guard, and I furrowed my brow, taken aback.
Why is he asking me such unnecessary question? Is that how interview work?
The air felt uneasy as it brings the awkwardness. I got confused about how did my grandfather end up with these people full of vulgarity and indecency?
As a child grew up into a church, these conversation won't be good to me. I keep silent and I raised my head when someone spoke. "Are you the new maid? Or a new babe?" The guy in a hat and a red hair said as a playful grim was drawn on his lips and his hazel green eyes glinted with excitement.
No one reacted and those words gave me confusion and an uneasy feeling. Then a moment later he laughed like a crazy then a loud bang made me shocked as the table moved and I saw the old man on the end of the table who stood up.
"ENOUGH, Xander! Show some respect with our important guest" he retorted then the guy in a hat just answered him with a smirk and a simple nod and just that the old man sat down.
"I hope you aren't that sensitive and fragile... don't you?" He asked as he made a sip from his glass of red wine.
I didn't stutter any words for I know that they won't listen either. I was already trembling but I can't just look like a kid trembling to these man in front of me.
I gaze at the food laid out before me. It looks delicious and somehow manages to distract me. A servant pours me a drink, and I notice something about them all. Their skin is pale, and they move with an eerie lightness, as if their feet barely touch the ground, except for the distinct thud of Magnus's footsteps when he knocked on my door.
As I chewed, I still tasted the raw, gamey flavor of the meat, as if it hadn't been cooked at all. I've had steaks ranging from rare to well done, but this one seemed to defy cooking altogether. I covered my mouth and immediately stood up, backing away from the dining table. I turned around to look for the bathroom, but my path was suddenly blocked by the red-haired man in a hat, who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Where are you going, miss? Do you think...that what you're doing is not rude?" He said, his playful smile still lingering on his lips. My knees weakened, and my body began to tremble.
"What is this? Like, what was the reason behind this? What am I exactly doing here?" I asked, confusion etched on my face, as my heart rate quickened and I felt the corners of my eyes heating up with unshed tears.